Arcane Academy: The Divine Extraction Legacy Chapter 1168: The Beasts

"T-that is the Shadow Immortal’s Spirit Beast!"

"I recognize it from Professor Zeno's description... Her name is Frostborne Vulpestra!"

"I've heard that those from Immortal Vale call her Vulpie..."

"Wow... she's breathtaking..."

"Wait, why does she only have three tails? Is that perhaps a cub or a younger version?"

"She must be conserving her power. According to Professor Zeno, she possesses nine tails and serves as the Academy's guardian... I wonder what brought her here..."

The murmurs rippled through the gathered crowd...

In contrast, several first-year students exchanged puzzled looks.

"A guardian? What are they talking about? I’ve never come across this beast in my studies..."

"Is there a threat? Shouldn't someone intervene?"

"No... just look at her. She’s simply... observing."

The upperclassmen traded knowing glances, their voices tinged with excitement as many of them were only just learning the truth about this Spirit Guardian...

"Professor Zeno mentioned her during a lecture... claiming she is older than the Academy itself."

"Older? That can't be right... Professor Dalton told me she was a new Spirit Beast that Lord Shane recently formed a contract with..."

"It is possible. Regardless, she is a spirit beast tied to Immortal Vale. Rumor has it she only appears during significant events."

The silver fox moved with elegance along the perimeter of the dueling ring, her three tails swaying gently and leaving faint trails of frost in the air...

Before long, the four participants on the stage also became aware of the Spirit Beast’s presence...

Hans and Tim went rigid, their arrogant smirks instantly vanishing...

Cassian and Selene lowered their stances slightly, their attention pulled toward the creature. Even Ardan, acting as the arbiter, narrowed his eyes in hesitation, wondering if the match could proceed under such a gaze.

"This is highly unusual," he whispered to himself. "However, as long as she doesn't interfere... I suppose we must carry on."

The crowd's fascination pivoted from the combatants to the fox.

"Perhaps she has come to judge the duel..."

"Or maybe she's here as an omen..."

"No, look at those tails. She looks quite at ease... Perhaps she is putting us to the test..."

"A test? Testing what exactly?"

The fox’s eyes scanned the arena, lingering for a moment on Cassian and Selene before shifting to Hans and Tim. A faint glow flickered in her eyes, as if she were weighing something invisible to the naked eye.

Then, without making a sound, the fox sat down at the edge of the circle, curling her tail around her body.

She appeared to be taking pleasure in the sight of so many Arcanists gathered in the training hall...

For a moment, the duel itself was forgotten...

Ardan, however, sensed that the beast was actually interested in watching the fight unfold...

"Continue the match!" Ardan declared, figuring that this battle might serve as a form of amusement for the Spirit Beast.

"Let's go!" Cassian didn't waste a second as he lunged forward...

He had to admit the techniques used by these apprentices of the Order were quite formidable. Yet, that was the extent of it...

His own talent was more than sufficient!

Shortly after, he activated his Harmonizing Aura, and the spell shimmered from his palm, casting a soft radiance over both himself and Selene.

The Cleansing Flame hit them, but rather than searing their flesh, the harmonizing aura absorbed and neutralized the heat.

The spectators, who had returned their focus to the fight, let out a collective gasp.

They hadn't anticipated that these low-tier Spells would be utilized so effectively against one another...

Hans glared at them. "You’re just hiding behind prayers and shields. That isn't true strength."

Cassian’s gaze turned sharp. "Strength isn't defined by destruction. It is found in endurance and the will to protect what is important."

Selene raised her arm once more, manifesting another Disruption Wave.

This time, the energy wave hit Hans squarely, making him stumble back.

His Arcane Protection soaked up the brunt of the force, but the audience could see the shift... while the Church’s spells weren't flashy, they were masters of disruption, defense, and stability.

Tim realized they were losing ground, but he believed he could win by outlasting them with the duration of his Mystic State...

'I can still take this...'

The primary reason he had been invited to this academy was his ability to maintain his Mystic State for over 13 minutes...

Even though his magic zone's range was still somewhat restricted, it remained a remarkable feat for someone his age!

"Bring it on!"

Tim then conjured another Binding Chain.

Chains erupted once again; this time, he focused all his willpower on ensnaring Selene...

However, she countered yet again with a Radiant Veil, wrapping herself in its light. The chains hammered against the barrier but failed to pierce through.

Hans attempted another Cleansing Flame, targeting Cassian’s shoulder.

But Cassian chose not to block this time... Instead, he allowed the beam to hit his Arcane Protection and immediately retaliated with Harmonizing Aura. The light expanded, reinforcing Selene’s wards and steadying their combat rhythm!

The underlying principles of each side's magic were clear to everyone watching...

The students backed by the Order pushed with aggressive force, trying to overwhelm their foes with beams, flames, and chains.

Conversely, the students representing the Church replied with a flawless synchronization of spells, converting their defense into strength and tactical disruption.

A small group had gathered, divided between those cheering for the Order’s raw power and those admiring the Church’s refined defense...

Eventually, Selene realized her Mystic State was nearing its limit, while her rivals seemed unaffected!

'This can't go on... The wager...' Remembering their bet, Selene refused to let herself bring shame to the church's reputation.

She rapidly cast Radiant Veil around her body and then unleashed a massive Disruption Wave.

This was her final effort, as her Mystic Energy was nearly depleted!

Fortunately, the wave slammed into both Hans and Tim, throwing them back just as they prematurely fired their Cleansing Flames! Their Arcane Protection had completely dissolved by this point!

Cassian followed up immediately, raising his hand.

Harmonizing Aura washed over the arena... and their opponents' flames became utterly useless against the pair!

Hans ground his teeth in frustration. "Damn it... they're... keeping us at bay."

"We can't get through those shields! Just stall until their Mystic State runs out!"

However, it was at this moment that the Arbiter decided to step in...

Ardan raised his hand high...

"That’s enough. The winner of the duel has been decided..."

As the four students heard the proclamation, they were filled with confusion, yet each was desperate to hear their own name called as the victor.